StrokeSurvivorBlog

A date was set for Steve’s discharge from the nursing home. On Monday and Tuesday I was not feeling well and I wrestled in my sleep. On both nights I was awakened numerous times with the thought that I had to bring Steve home…that now was time and not to wait any longer. After expressing my fears and concerns to God, He gave me peace that everything will be alright, and to trust Him in this.

So Wednesday morning I made the decision to have Steve discharged next Sat. June 7. Even though he has a long way to go in his stroke recovery, I believe he will progress faster at home where the atmosphere is tranquil and uplifting. His emotional well-being is at stake because this last week he has suffered the losses of several acquaintances in the nursing home. Within a 24-hr. period two people were taken to the hospital, one left in a hearse, and Elaine his neighbor was moved to a different facility. He also heard that there are three other residents on a death watch, and that they usually die in threes. This was not a good thing for a CNA to tell him.

So with the setback he had last week with the flu and the pain, and now these losses, I believe that if I didn’t do something quick, the atmosphere would spiral him into a state of depression. It is time for him to leave the nursing home and I know I made the right decision.

This next week I will be very busy making preparations, getting my house ready for the home assessment, ordering medical equipment, going to the doctor for a final evaluation, getting groceries, etc. And I’ll also need to practice taking Steve’s blood pressure, so if anyone has a blood pressure cuff they can depart with, please let me know. I don’t think our insurance pays for that.

We were informed by the nursing home coordinator that Steve is not considered “home bound” by Medicare, so they will not pay for in-home care. But they will pay for outpatient therapy as long as the doctor thinks he needs it. I’ve arranged for a PT who specializes in post-stroke neuro-therapy.

Now more than ever I will need your prayers as I become Steve’s caregiver 24/7. This responsibility requires me to be super organized and disciplined in time management for the dispensing of meds, bathing, home therapy, meals, plus all the other household chores, yard work, and errands I must do.

Please, please pray for me that I will:

1.  Be a good steward of my time

2.  Be filled with God’s supernatural grace and strength to carry out these responsibilities

3.  Count it all joy in caring for my husband.

4.  Sleep well at night to get the rest I need

“He said to me, ”My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me…For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

“Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” James 1:2-4

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“When you lie down, you shall not be afraid; yes, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet.” Proverbs 3:24

The word of God gives me hope and encouragement that everything will be alright, and I put my trust in Him.

And thank you for your prayers… they are sustaining us. For when you pray, God has been quick to answer every time. What a blessing you are to us.

My love, Kathy